new to bowhunting and all hunting. Finally got a shot tonight at a doe. it was 20 yards out and broadside. (perfect!)It was starting to get dark.I hit it, but i was so nervous and excited at the same time i did not see where it hit. I deff heard it hit the deer with a loud smack. Deer jumped and ran into the woods. Arrow is greasy, and hairy from end to end. No blood. After i shot her i went back to my truck to get my dad and bro inlaw to help look. We only looked for about 20min because it was dark and i was thinking i made a gut shot and ill go back in the morning. But after reading it looks like it might be a brisket shot. I smelled the arrow and it did not stink like people say on a gut shot. Also i do not remember what color hair was on the arrow, i was not thinking about that at the time. Do they even die from this type of shot? Just looking for advice on what to do next. Thanks guys.
I would hit it hard at first light tomorrow. Bring your bow and head for then nearest bedding area in the direction the deer was heading when you lost sight of it. I would bet you hit high, rather than low. There is still a chance a blade caught some lung and was wiped clean on exit.
Sounds like a low shot and just clipped some fat if the arrow is really greasy. In the future take note of hair color. That can be really helpful.
Well my dad and I went back out this morning. No blood trail was found. I left the arrowwhere it was and I know where she ran into the woods. We looked for a couplehours and saw nothing. So the arrow was very greasy and the hair on it was white. So from what I read sounds like a brisket shot. Im so bummed out and mad at myself for making a bad shot. This would have been my first deer. At least she most likely lived and didn't die wounded somewhere.
Don't beat yourself up. If you bow hunt long enough it will happen. Stay positive and keep at it. Next time that trophy might walk out. "Live Life at Full Draw"
it sounds like you hit a patch of blank space with nothing vital around it, don't get too down on yourself it happens to all of us eventually, hopefully she isn't hurting too bad and who knows you may even get another shot at her
